By Alfred Zacharia
The Police force on Saturday warned against the spread of rumours claiming that some men lose their genitals after being touched by strangers, saying the claims are false and have already triggered deadly mob attacks in several regions.
In a statement, police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner of Police David Misime said misinformation circulating on social media and in communities had led to violence that killed five people and injured several others in the regions of Songwe, Mbeya and Dar es Salaam.
Police have launched investigations and a manhunt for those believed to have started and spread the rumours, Misime said.
“These acts driven by superstition, mob emotions and motives that are not yet known have no truth,” Misime said, adding that medical checks on men who claimed their genitals had disappeared found that there were no physical changes.
Police said the rumours first emerged on April 1 in Tunduma town in Songwe region, where mob attacks linked to the claims left five people dead and two others injured.
Similar incidents were later reported in Makongolosi in Mbeya city, injuring two people, before the rumours spread to Dar es Salaam on April 3, where cases were reported in the areas of Kimara Mwisho and Mbezi Shule.
On Saturday, two more people were injured in separate incidents in Mbeya region after similar accusations, police said.
Authorities urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, warning that those found responsible for inciting violence or spreading false claims could face legal action.
